Trey Sweeney had never been to New York, so when he and some of his Hudson Valley Renegades teammates made the “rough” 17-hour drive from Tampa to Dutchess County earlier this week, he finally got his first taste of the Big Apple.
“We drove by the city and that was the first time I’ve seen it – that was pretty crazy but cool to see!” Sweeney smiled at Hudson Valley’s media day on Tuesday. “I’ve never been in New York so I’m excited to be here – the 17-hour drive was a little rough, but we broke it up and I know a lot of the guys on the team here, so that’s good.”
Sweeney also joked that the weather in New York is a lot different than it is in Tampa, where he spent his first pro summer after being the Yankees’ first-round pick last year, and even a little harsher than a kid from Kentucky who played his college ball in southeast Illinois is used to.
But, to him, that’s just one adjustment he’ll have to make as he enters his first full professional season.
“Mainly, I’ve heard it’s going to be cold but it’s a good environment, and a turf field plays a little different than dirt, but I’m excited,” he said. “My goal is just staying focused and staying healthy through 140 games, so I can play at 100 percent every day.”
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It’s that latter part that may be the bigger issue, as Sweeney’s career high is 81 games, the total he played last year between Eastern Illinois (48) and the Yankees system (33). Going from an amateur schedule to a pro one is a shock to a lot of players in their first full seasons, so Sweeney’s goal – despite already being a Top 5 prospect in the eyes of many outlets – is to learn as much as he can.
“I expect to learn a lot; I know obviously everyone struggles over 140 games, but it’s about what I can learn about myself and figure out how to improve,” Sweeney said. “It’s a lot of games, so fit’s about figuring out how to continue to play well and stay prepared and keep moving up.”
Moving up could be tough, as he plays the same position as No. 1 prospect Anthony Volpe and No. 2/3 prospect Oswald Peraza, who will be manning shortstop at Double-A and Triple-A, respectively.
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But, Sweeney spent a lot of time with Volpe during camp (Peraza, as part of the 40-man roster, was at the MLB complex), and he’s hoping that the Yankees’ 2019 first rounder doesn’t clear his own path by failing, but by also moving upwards.
“I spent almost every day with Volpe in camp, he’s become a friend and I’m hoping he does well, too,” Sweeney said. “I’m sure people will say there’s pressure following behind him, but I don’t necessarily think so. I’m just looking to play ball and have fun.”
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